Punishment Vs Classical Criminology - 1745 Words

Criminal Justice Theory Introduction Crime has existed in the society from time immemorial. Different cultures have dealt with it differently. While some have adopted very cruel, inhumane, and creative ways of punishment, others have chosen a relatively fair system of justice. Nevertheless, each system has had and served its purpose in fulfilling a given role in the society they are established. The classical criminology as envisioned by Bentham and Beccaria in the 1700’s and 1800’s has been the foundation upon which the modern criminal system is based on. While very many changes have been made to it, its core principles have remained to date and continue to influence how law and crime relate to each other. Importantly, religion has†¦show more content†¦Modern criminology finds it â€Å"out of favor† due to its â€Å"get tough† drive supported by mass imprisonment. While classical criminology theoretical proponents were seen as being subjective on the psychological, sociological, cul tural, and structural explanations, modern perspective on criminology proposes integrated perceptual and structural models that offer a more extensive range of variables at different levels of analysis (Clyne, 2016). Classical theory proponents were perceived as being reductionists and simplistic in a manner that emphasized on the advantages of crime commission through cost as depicted in the payoff systems as compared to the imprisonment option. Perhaps that was the reason they were regarded as being meaningless while at the same time extensive in their instrument. Modern criminology refuses to identify specific factors to crime commission and instead argue that the commission of a crime is a result of many other varying factors that lead up to the final act of commission. Contemporarily, there different perceptual and structural models that define and guide offending which helps in creating a wide range of variables in the way crime is committed and how it should be addressed. Religion and Rationality on Mutually Exclusiveness The answer as to whether religion and rationality have to be mutually exclusive is no. This is because of religion, as a belief and value system relies on its followers Show MoreRelatedClassicalism vs. Positivism1546 Words   |  7 PagesClassicalism vs. Positivism What is crime? What makes people commit crimes and how can we stop it? These, and many other questions similar to these, are asked by criminologists everyday. Criminology is an ever growing field, mainly because there is more and more research occurring and new theories linking people and crime coming out everyday. Below the main field of criminology there are many subfields that have different theories and philosophies on what they believe link criminal behaviorRead MoreThe Classical School Of Thought1327 Words   |  6 Pagesinclude the positivist vs. the classical schools of thought, changes in our understandings of what causes victimisation over time, official vs. unofficial data and the different definitions of crime. These concepts show how the discovery of the victim and the shift in focus from the offender to the offence from the past 30 years has changed the understandings of what the reasoning behind what causes crime. The positivist vs. the classical schools of thought: Modern Criminology is made up of two mainRead MoreThe Criminal Justice System1700 Words   |  7 Pagescriminal behaviour. In the 18th century criminologists such as Jeremy Bentham, Cesare Bonesana-Beccaria and Cesare Lombroso all established criminological theories, in an attempt to achieve this goal. The most influential theories are known as the Classical and Positivist perspectives. Both of these theories have had a long-term influence on the current Criminal Justice System. Which were so significant throughout the 20th and 21st century because they introduced effective new strategies for the systemRead MoreThe Integral Role Sentencing Plays in the Criminal Justice Process904 Words   |  4 PagesThese philosophies are: Retribution- Retribution is a philosophy that a wrong doer who has freely chosen to violate society’s rules must be punished. Retribution relies on the principal of â€Å"just deserts†, this holds that the severity of the punishment hold to the severity of the crime. This philosophy is not the same as revenge because retribution is more concerned with the rules of society as a whole, rather than the individualism revenge has had on the victim or victims the offender. MostRead MoreRational Choice vs. Trait Theory Essay1492 Words   |  6 PagesRational Choice Theory VS. Trait Theory Student Name Criminology : Park University Online Program In this essay I will be comparing and contrasting the Rational Choice Theory(s) and the Trait Theory(s). We will start with the history of the two theories and progress toward some of the individual principles in the theories. Next step will be explaining how each theory contributes to criminal behavior. My closing paragraph will concludeRead MoreThomas Hobbes And The Social Contract3563 Words   |  15 Pagesand Citizen Cesare Beccaria published his Essays on Crimes and Punishment that focused heavily on the differentiation among three types of crimes, namely crimes against property, person and state. Cesare believed that punishment was an effective deterrent to crime, as the offender is rational and in control of their actions and behaviors. Cesare expressed that the â€Å"punishment should fit the crime† and that â€Å"adjudication and punishment should be both swift and certain†. He advocated for due processRead MoreClassical Theories Vs Psychological And Physic al1712 Words   |  7 PagesJohn Anderton, Classical Theories vs Psychological and Physical Passivism 1 The Minority Report movie is about a dubious yet powerful Pre-Crime program that utilizes psychic visions to imprison potential killers before they have acted. The film brings up concerns with the blemishes and disappointments of equity and science against the background of wrongful conviction. The film also deals with mass imprisonment, DNA innovation, and preventive detainment of warehousing criminals on the guise of futureRead MoreCompare and Contrast two criminological approaches to understanding the commission of crime1081 Words   |  5 Pagesthese can be prevented, and deterred by individuals. The two key approaches I will examine in this assignment is that of the early Classicalist approach, and the opposing Positivist approach, each of which are crucial for understanding modern criminology today. In the late eighteenth century Britain went through an Enlightenment period, which is also referred to as The Age of Reason (Paine, 1794) and this is because reason was emphasised over religion, secularisation transformed society, newRead MoreSocial Institutions825 Words   |  4 Pagesconsidering the risks of detection and punishment for the crimes as well as the rewards of committing the crimes successfully (Lyman amp; Potter, 2007). This theory was first exposed in the mid 1800s by the classical school of criminology (Lyman amp; Potter, 2007). The idea that members of organized crime group have free will to make rational decisions in regards to their involvement in criminal activity. With this theory it is suggested that the punishment for their criminal activity needed toRead MoreAre Criminals Rational Decision Makers? Essay examples2042 Words   |  9 Pageseach supporting theories. The traditional explanations for crime are nature vs. nurture debate and the ideas relating to any possible biological reasons that turns someone into a criminal. Are some people really just ‘born bad?’ or are there other, social reasons for criminal behaviour? In this essay I will look at both sides of the argument, and offer an insight into the reasons behind such criminal behaviours. The Classical theory argued that everyone is entitled to free will and rational choice but

Max Weber’s The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of...

Max Weber’s work The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism is arguably one of the most important works in all of sociology and social theory, both classical and modern. In the decades since its inception, this work has gone on to influence generations of social scientists with its analysis of the effect of Protestantism on the development of modern industrial capitalism. This work, examining such broad topics as religion, economics, and history, is not only an interesting and insightful look into the history of the development of capitalism, but a major work in laying a foundation for future works of social theory. Max Weber’s main contention in this work is that what he calls the â€Å"Protestant Ethic† played a vital role in†¦show more content†¦Catholics are more likely to pursue a career in the crafts, and become master craftsmen, whereas Protestants are more likely to seek work in factories, and become skilled workers and administrators (Web er, 6). He says that the differences in the economic outcomes of the two different religious groups can be seen the character of their religious beliefs, not just in the historical and material conditions that they came from. Many claim that Catholics were more focused on other-worldly things, whereas Protestants were more materialistic in their outlook (Weber, 8). But Weber disagrees with this, saying â€Å"Hardly anything shows so clearly as this parallel that, with such vague ideas as that of the alleged otherworldliness of Catholicism, and the alleged material joy of living of Protestantism,†¦nothing can be accomplished for our purpose† (Weber, 9). Protestantism combines an aggressive capitalistic business sense with an extreme sense of piety and asceticism. The Protestant denominations created a distinction between capital acquisition, which could be a good thing, and the spending of wealth, which was considered immoral. Protestants did not accumulate wealth in orde r to spend it, as many other groups would have done and had done throughout history. Therefore, Weber states, â€Å"If any inner relationship between certain expressions of the old Protestant spirit and modern capitalistic culture is to be found, we must attempt to find it, for better or for worse not in its allegedShow MoreRelatedNotes on Max Webers The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism859 Words   |  3 Pagesintegration and alienation fit within a modern society. These paradigms combine reflexively into a notion of history. Max Weber was a German politician, scholar, economist, and sociologist. In fact, he founded the modern studies of sociology, public administration, and organizational theory. He was born in 1864 and so was writing and publishing after Marx, but still looking at capitalism, socialism, and the various dictates of society as ways humans are shaped, actualized, and able to have upward mobilityRead MoreEssay about Analysis of Max Webers Theory of Capi talism747 Words   |  3 PagesAnalysis of Max Webers Theory of Capitalism Max Weber’s original theory on the rise of Capitalism in Western Europe has been an often studied theory. In its relationship to Protestantism, specifically Calvinism, Weber’s theory has been in scholarly debate since it’s release in 1904. â€Å"The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism† puts forth not capitalism as an institute, but as the precursor to the historical origins of capitalism. Weber’s attempts to use statistical data, as well as churchRead MoreMax Weber s Relation Between Religion And Capitalism1028 Words   |  5 PagesMax Weber is a German sociologist, who studied the relation between religion and capitalism in sociology. His theory brings forth many interesting aspects and point of views. Many could argue of religion’s importance to sociology, but Weber informs us of how big of an aspect religion really is. Max Weber was an interesting man; born in Germany on April 21st, 1864, to Max Weber Sr. his father and Helene Fallenstien Weber his mother. His parents had two very different views on life; his father a politicallyRead MoreIs Weber s Idea Of Economic Traditionalism1189 Words   |  5 PagesIs weber’s idea of economic traditionalism analysis relevant to the study of religion? Introduction The core of research on religion at present is of no doubt touching Max Weber’s ideas on economic traditionalism. Weber in Solimano (2012: 42) talked about â€Å"the importance of religion, especially the Protestant ethic† in economic life. By venturing into the field of sociology of religion, Weber further succeeded in arousing many scholars’ interest in the study of different religions in the contemporaryRead MoreKarl Marx And Max Weber1324 Words   |  6 Pagesand Max Weber were influential sociologists that paved the way for modern sociological school of thought. Both, Karl Marx and Max Weber contributed a lot to the study and foundation of sociology. Without their contributions sociology would not be as prominent as it is today. From the contribution of how sociology should be studied, to how they applied their theories to everyday life has influenced many sociologists. Predominantly, both of these theorists’ discussed the effects of capitalism, howR ead MoreMarx s Theory Of Historical Materialism1495 Words   |  6 PagesCapitalism is an economic system in a society in which private owners control industry and trade within a country, rather than the state. Both Karl Marx and Max Weber, have written theories on how this system develops in countries and creates a nation state that is characterised by production and wealth. Marx’s theory takes more of a top-down approach, suggesting that people have little power in how their society is run. On the other hand, Weber’s bottom-up approach demonstrates how people have theRead More Summary of Max Webers The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism441 Words   |  2 PagesSummary of Max Webers The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism Max Webers The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism is a study of the relationship between the ethics of ascetic Protestantism and the emergence of the spirit of modern capitalism. Weber argues that the religious ideas of groups such as the Calvinists played a role in creating the capitalistic spirit. Weber first observes a correlation between being Protestant and being involved in business, and declares his intentRead MoreKarl Marx And Max Weber1332 Words   |  6 Pagesdifferent religion in depth that exist on earth and various perspectives of well known people on the study of religion. I chose Karl Marx and Max Weber for my paper assignment. Two sociologists and philosophers have discussed their views on religion and its impact on society. Most of the Sociologist of that time wrote about the role of religion in society, Karl Marx and Max Weber observations are particularly relevant for our course. Religion is one of the principle social ideologies that impacts social st abilityRead MoreMax Weber And His Contributions1566 Words   |  7 PagesPhala Monte Ms. Berner SYG 2000 01Z 7 June 2015 Max Weber and His Contributions Throughout the early 1900s, Max Weber was considered as one of the three founders of sociology, because he had acquired many ideas that profoundly influenced social theory and social research. For sociology as a whole, Weber’s study of sociology is theoretical-historical, because he had the idea of rationalization based on his observations from the Protestant Work Ethic and other societies to analyze modern societiesRead MoreMax Weber And Marx s Theory On The Emergence Of Modern Capitalism2324 Words   |  10 PagesMax Weber like Marx and Engels produced a theory on the emergence of modern capitalism. Weber, unlike Marx and Engels, does not strictly use a historical materialist perspective to explain the appearance of capitalism. This is exemplified through his work The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism. A historical materialist perspective on history designates economic factors as central to the way we define historical stages. Although Weber acknowledges the im portant impact that economic factors

Persistence Of Memory Essay Example For Students

Persistence Of Memory Essay Persistenceof Memory by Salvador Dali is one his most distinguished works. It is anOil on Canvas 9 1/2 x 13 and was painted in 1931. Dali uses many types ofmedia in this picture to portray the imagery he was looking for. The First mediaI recognized was chiaroscuro. The artwork starts from a bright white and blue inthe top left hand corner and ends up fading into darkness. There is a largefigure with a clock draped over it right before the fade to darkness which maysymbolize a time in the artists life in which he was feeling that his memorieswere fading and falling into blackness. The Second media I noticed was trompeloeil. This was most noticed with the seemingly melted watches representingtime or memory draping off a table and a tree. It is really a barren landscapewith 4 clocks, a table, fake tree, a blue rectangular mass, and some mountainsin the background. I suppose he is trying to symbolize his thoughts and memoriesand how he was feeling about them at that moment. This artwork consists of amostly cool color scheme with one instance of warm. There is a red clock in thebottom left hand corner that does seem to stick out with the effect of red andblack it uses. That also is covered with ants that look like they are eatingwhich may symbolize some type of eating away at a memory he had. The cool colorsare the sky and 3 of the clocks while the warm is 1 clock and the base of themountain. The rest of the landscape is a very neutral brown and black. Persistence of Memory also exhibits a kind of atmospheric/linear perspective. The objects in the front of the piece, the tree, clocks, table, figure, are mostnoticeable with detail and it seems like those are the objects the artist wantsyou to be most familiar with relative to the mountains, sky, and ocean in thedistance which really are not that symbolic in this picture. They are of lessfocus than the melted clocks. Dali was a noted Surrealist and this picture mayhave been his greatest in that era. He was a man that could put photorealisticimages on a canvas. His surrealist era was influenced by a famous psychologistwhich led him to explore his own fears and fantasies. In 1934 Dali was expelledfrom the Surrealist group due to the world war and his supposed crazy ideas. Ichose this artwork because of Dalis intense, illusionistic style. He was agreat artist and a man not ashamed to show how he felt. He wanted to explore hisfears and fantasies and express them through artwork which gives me the sensethat he had great pride. I feel this piece is very important to the surrealistartworld as it is a perfect example of Dalis realistically dreamlike content. Dali was expelled from his surrealist group in 1934 and responded as follows the difference between me and the surrealists is that I am surrealism.

The Crucible and Freedom Writers Belonging and Identity Essay Example

The Crucible and Freedom Writers: Belonging and Identity Essay Through a sense of clear conscience or a reputation of name, anyone can self belong, and this must first be achieved before one can belong anywhere else. The protagonist, John Proctor, in The Crucible, by Arthur Miller, truly belongs only at time of death. His clear conscience provides him with a sense of self belonging before his hanging. Similarly I Freedom Writers, by Richard Lagrange, the Hispanic gang member, Eva, achieves a sense of personal Identity and true belonging when she tells the truth In court. This allows her clear conscience to give her a sense of belonging to resell. Im not worth the dust on the feet of them that hang suggests John Proctor In the Crucible has Identified himself as not being as brave as those who went to the gallows with a clear conscience. HIS sense of self belonging Is achieved when he rips up the signed confession. HIS good deed allows the people who died to keep their good names, who went to death satisfied that they were good people. Before the Salem Witch trials, depicted in the movie, John Proctor is reluctant to be involved in church life. We will write a custom essay sample on The Crucible and Freedom Writers: Belonging and Identity specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on The Crucible and Freedom Writers: Belonging and Identity specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on The Crucible and Freedom Writers: Belonging and Identity specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer He rarely attends mass and stays out on his land instead. Although his obedience to miss mass because of Paris, he is seen as a good man. The turning point is when his wife, Goody Proctor, is accused of being involved in witchcraft. He admits to lechery, with Abigail, and acknowledges the bad actions he undertook. He is also then accused of being involved in witchcraft and is sentenced to death unless he confesses. Others who were accused experienced the same fate. And although all were innocent except the girls accusing everyone, many were sent to their deaths. Proctor rips the warrant and allows the people who died to continue their innocence. Does Proctor do the good deed out of guilt for his actions with Abigail? The concepts of self belonging in The Crucible are similarly depicted in Freedom writers. Erin Gruel, a new and excited young teacher is hired to teach the Dumb Class at Wilson High. Many of the students in this class are members of various gangs presented as Latino, Black and Asian, and their actions and mind set tells the viewer that the students do not want to be there. One particular member, Eva, is experiences a dilemma when she must decide to tell the truth or protect another member of her gang. l am my fathers daughter, and when they call me to testify I will protect my own no matter what. This quote tells the viewer that Eva belongs to her gang, whether itd a bad thing or not. Her strong sense of belonging is shown through the techniques of her narrating her diary throughout the movie. When she decides to tell the truth In Court she becomes an outcast from her gang, but with her clear omniscience she starts to belong elsewhere. Room 203 In her school, taught by Erin Gruel becomes a safe haven for her and her class mates. The war displayed In the movie between gangs Is Ignored when the class attends school and everyone comes together and belongs. This Is portrayed for Eva the most due to her honor, respect and reputation being abolished and her personal Identity changing. Through a sense of belonging to one self, the characters Eva, and John Proctor, In Freedom Writers and The Crucible therefore belong in other areas. This provides evidence that

What Is the Theory of Human Evolution and What Evidence Appears to Substantiate the Theory free essay sample

Evolution is defined as â€Å"any process of progressive change†; and the theory is complex life forms from our time have descended from earlier ones that existed long ago (Hunt, p. 29). The theory of evolution was first made popular by Charles Darwin an English Biologist, he spent a good amount of his time trying to find evidence to support his many ideas. It is believed that the human species has its origins in Africa. Scientists share the belief that a human like creature originated from the apes and over time, through many changes the final result was a group of hominids, they do however disagree on when and why the different characteristics begun begun to show themselves. It had been discovered that humans and the other primates do have some differences, for one humans have a larger brain, we walk on two legs, go through a longer periods childhood and juvenile life stages, we have the ability to speak and to form culture (Parker, p. We will write a custom essay sample on What Is the Theory of Human Evolution and What Evidence Appears to Substantiate the Theory? or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page ). Evolution occurs through a series of processes, including sexual reproduction and mutation, where some more desirable traits may be passed on to the next generation either by chance or natural selection. Natural selection played a major role in the understanding of evolution, it meant that individuals that have traits more favorable to adapting to its environment are more likely to survive and pass on those traits to their offspring. This led to the notion of â€Å"survival of the fittest†. The trait selected to move on showed up in the next generation and defines which direction evolution will take. Over time the theory of evolution has grown to include findings that were discovered from other scientists, between the 1970’s and 1990’s fossils were found, they had smaller brains, long arms, short legs and did not use stone tools and they were known as australopithecines. Also between 1992 and 2002 more fossils were dug up that predated the australopithecines, making scientist re-evaluate their earlier theories (Parker, p. 9). Our Ancestors Life is believed to have originated billions of years ago and over time organisms mutated and evolved into other more complex life forms. It is stated that humans came from earlier primates from about 65 to 70 million years ago. Humans are the only species (as a basic biological classification containing individuasl that resemble one another and may interbreed) of Homo sapiens who are still around today; the other two Homo habilis and Homo erectus are extinct. Below are the stages of human evolution and the order they came in. The LCA is a term used to represent our Last Common Ancestor with the apes, this group includes the Dryopithecus, they lived in Africa and were not typically a two-legged animal. (2)The Basal Hominins are some of the earliest fossils found and are dated seven to four million years ago. This class included the Sahelonthropus and the Orrorin tugenensis, they also lived in Africa and evidence was found that they might have stood upright. (3)Fossils dating 3. 5 to 2. 4 million years ago were found to be the Early Human Ancestors, they include the Australopithecus anamensin, Australopithecus Africanus. Garhi and Homo habilis they also lived in Africa and were discovered to have used simple stone tools. There were skeletal changes found in them which indicated that they walked on two legs. (4)Next we have the Middle Period Human Ancestors, they lived 1. 9 million to 300,000 years ago and included the Homo erectus and Homo ergaster, they made and used stone tools as well. This group left Africa for China, Georgia and Jara. They were found to have been larger, walking on two legs, and had a larger brain. 5)The Recent human Ancestors lived from 800,000 to 250,000 years ago; this group included the Homo antecessor and Homo neanderthalensis. Fossils of Homo sapiens were also found and dated about 160,000 years ago. This group also moved out of Africa and went to the Middle East, South East Asia and Europe. They had larger brain sizes and their cultural remains were similar to preliterate living humans. The term Human Ancestor is used to categorize all fossils dated between the split of ancestral African apes, to the earliest hominin and then to the modern humans. More up to date evidence suggests that the last common ape ancestor of the African apes and humans actually lived in Europe first and not in Africa; anthropologists found that no ape fossils existed in Africa before four million years. This means that their ancestors actually left Europe and went to Africa when the climate changes forced them to move. What is the Concept of Culture? Name Two Theoretical Perspectives and the Proponents of those theories. The term culture has many meanings to a lot of people, it is hard sometimes to determine what culture is there has been debates of what it really means. But culture is defined as being â€Å"the total pattern of human behavior and its products, embodied in thought, speech, action and artifacts† (Hunt, p. 68). It is a way of life for many, It’s how we think, and do things that is passed down from the parents to their children, and so on, some might also say that it is having an education, having better knowledge og the finer things of society this they may term as being cultured. Edward Tylor an anthropologist says that culture is complex and includes knowledge, belief, art, law and habits acquired by man as a member of society. His definition of culture highlights says that it is a product of people living together and learning from each other while committing them to memory and passing them on (Parker, p. 2). We acquire knowledge, religion, skills, and morals from our environment, and we get them through socialization, which then shape our personalities, allowing us to fit in properly in our different societies. Just about everything in our lives we learn from listening to others, and reading about the experiences of others. Cultural Evolution Cultural evolution describes the establishment and growth of culture. Anthropologists of the 19th century who studied culture wanted to develop a â€Å"science of culture† that could include the universal laws of human nature. During their revisions they established some rules (1) Cultures all over the world developed progressively over time, (2) that cultural progress took place from simple to complex forms, and (3) that cultural evolution led to the growth of civilization. It was also said that in cultural advancement all cultures went through the same stages as evolution, and the reason for the differences in cultures was on account of the different stages they were in at the time, because the rate of evolution was different for everyone with some slow at times and fast at others. Edward Tylor believed in â€Å"the psychic unity of man† and he thought that all cultures are capable of progression because of this. Tylor also came up with the comparative method that defined the notion of survival as a process, customs, and opinions which are carried on by force. Diffusionism Diffusionism was an attempt to understand how the traits of culture came about and how they spread from one society to another, it is defined as the spread of a cultural detail from its source to other places. One version is called heliocentric diffusion, it is the believed that all cultures originate from just one, another culture circles is that there was once a very limited number of cultures that the many we have today came from, last every society was influenced by other and the process of diffusion is contingent and arbitrary. In the 19th century two different notions presented themselves, one was again the â€Å"psychic unity of mankind† which states that all humans have similar psychological traits that make them equally likely to transform. But evolutionists believed that growth in culture was constant or caused by outside variables, this caused many to say that developments occurred independently of each other and that diffusion had nothing to do with cultural development. In the 20th century Acculturation even though its roots are set it diffusionism began to overshadow it. Acculturation is the process of organized cultural change of a certain society carried out by someone of a more dominant one, the change happens because the two are in direct contact with each other, and those of the less dominant society are exposed to the language and practices of the other and are then assimilated into that society. According to Milton Gordon assimilation has three stages that a person has to go through. (1) Behavioral assimilation, (2) structural assimilation and (3) marital assimilation which is the coming together of people of the lesser society with those of the dominant one.

EFL Classroom

CALL Use in the ESL/EFL Classroom There has been much debate over the use of computer assisted language learning (CALL) in the ESL/EFL classroom over the past decade. As you are reading this feature via the Internet (and I am writing this using a computer), I will assume that you feel that CALL is useful to your teaching and/or learning experience. There are many uses of the computer in the classroom. As a teacher, I find that CALL can be successfully employed not only for grammar practice and correction, but also for communicative activities. As most of you are familiar with the programs that offer help with grammar, I would like to focus on the use of CALL for communicative activities. Successful communication learning is dependent on the students desire to participate. Im sure most teachers are familiar with students who complain about poor speaking and communication skills, who, however, when asked to communicate, are often reluctant to do so. In my opinion, this lack of participation is often caused by the artificial nature of the classroom. When asked to communicate about various situations, students should also be involved in the actual situation. Decision making, asking for advice, agreeing and disagreeing, and compromising with fellow students are all tasks that cry out for authentic settings. It is in these settings that I feel CALL can be used to great advantage. By using the computer as a tool to create student projects, research information and provide context, teachers can employ the computer to help students become more involved in the task at hand, thereby facilitating the necessity of effective communication within a group setting. Exercise 1: Focus on Passive Voice Generally, students coming from around the world are more than happy to speak about their native country. Obviously, when speaking about a country (city, state etc.) the passive voice is required. I have found the following activity using the computer to be of great assistance in helping students focus on the correct use of the passive voice for communication and reading and writing skills. Inductively review the passive structures in class (or introduce the passive structures)Provide a text example, focusing on a specific location, that includes many passive voice structuresHave students read through the textAs a follow-up, have students separate passive voice and active voice examplesUsing a program such as Microsoft Encarta or any other multimedia encyclopedia, (or the Internet) have students working in small groups find information about their own nation (or any city, state etc.)Based on the information they have found, students then write a short report together at the computer (using a spell check, communicating about formatting etc.)Students then report back to the class presenting their report created at the computer This exercise is a perfect example of involving students in an authentic activity that focuses on communication skills while at the same time including a grammar focus, and uses the computer as a tool. Students have fun together, communicate in English and are proud of the results they achieve - all ingredients for successful inductive learning of the passive voice in a communicative manner. Exercise 2: Strategy Games For younger learners of English, strategy games can be one of the most effective ways to get students to communicate, agree and disagree, ask for opinions and generally use their English in an authentic setting. Students are asked to focus on the successful completion of a task such as solving riddles (Myst, Riven) and developing strategies (SIM City). Choose a strategy game such as a SIM or mysteryHave students divide into teamsCreate a specific task in the game itself, such as the completion of a certain level, the creation of a certain type of environment, the solving of a specific riddle. This is important for providing a framework and specific language needs/goals for a common ground in the classroom.Have students complete the task.Have students come together in the classroom and compare strategies. Once again, students who find it difficult to participate in a classroom setting (Describe your favorite holiday? Where did you go? What did you do? etc.) generally become involved. The focus is not on their completing a task which can be judged as correct or incorrect, but rather on the enjoyable atmosphere of teamwork which a computer strategy game provides.

Protecting the homeland Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Protecting the homeland - Essay Example There is no specific way to determine that being prepared will eliminate signs of trouble, disaster, or negative effects. The process simply adjusts the mindset of the individuals involved to meet the adversity head on and with as much resistance that can be managed. In the nations past a preparedness program was successfully demonstrated by President Woodrow Wilson. President Wilson was against the United States being involved in World War I. However, he was denied any advances for an agreement of peace amongst the U.S. and Germany. When terms were not agreed upon the President decided to focus attentions on preparing the Army, marines, and navy for being forced into the war. At the time some individuals felt as though Wilson was planning to push the U.S. into war because of his strategy. In 1917, the President was drawn into the war on Germany despite his â€Å"He Kept Us Out of War†, campaign. The major event here was the amount of readiness the President possessed on behal f of the U.S. With the determination of his armies, Wilson retrieved an Armistice from Germany in efforts to further a peace agreement. With these efforts the President was able to deliver his Fourteen Points speech that would be a big factor to ending the war completely (Woodrow Wilson, p. 1). Based on earlier arguments, it is conceived at this point that although President Wilson took necessary steps to avoid the United States interaction in World War I, he also prepared us for war. Not only did he get his troops in line, the President was well enabled to produce a solution to the issues that spawned a full war in the first place. Wilson was not able to stay out of battle. It actually took him well over a year to get Congress to sign off on his Fourteen Points. This tactic is a good example of what preparedness is about. Fighting and disagreement may not always be completely avoidable, but a solution and plan should readily be prepared to produce a means for an end. It should also be acknowledged that even with preparedness concept efforts there have been several terrorist attacks focused on United States soil. More importantly, there have been attacks directed at symbols of the nations success and power such as the World Trade Center. These types of attack demonstrate a will of terrorists to damage the United States image as a major authority. Being able to defy that authority at whatever level is a specific aim by any attack. The message that terrorists deliver will not be one that seeks to minimize damage to the U.S. or its citizens. In February of 1993 a bombing attack was demonstrated on the World Trade Center. There was a truck positioned beneath the North Tower intended to collapse the North and South Towers of the Trade Center. The bomb did not successfully kill thousands but it did manage to kill nearly ten individuals and injure over one thousand. Then again on September 11 of 2001 there was another significant attack on the World Trade Center. In this case planes hijacked by terrorists were aimed at taking out the Towers. Of the four planes taken two hit the mark and leveled the Twin Towers. This time the terrorists attempts managed to bring about the demise of over three thousand individuals. Attacks like these have attempted to crumble the United States position for decades. In light of all the attempts at the expense of